Malta · Master's
University of Malta
MA International Relations
University of Malta
Course Overview
University of Malta's MA International Relations is delivered through the Department of International Relations within the Faculty of Arts. The 90-ECTS programme runs across three semesters (18 months) and combines advanced political theory, international law, Mediterranean and EU politics, security studies, foreign policy analysis, and a substantial dissertation. The Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies at the University of Malta hosts visiting practitioners from EU institutions, Maltese diplomats, and Mediterranean security analysts — giving the programme genuine pipeline value into multilateral careers.
Sri Lankan applicants with Bachelor's degrees in International Relations, Political Science, Law, History, Economics, or Languages (Colombo, Peradeniya, Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Jaffna, KDU, BCIS) treat this MA as a step into the Sri Lanka Foreign Service, multilateral institutions, and policy think tanks. Returnees route into the Foreign Service via the Foreign Service Examination, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, multilateral roles at UN agencies (UNDP, UNICEF, IOM, UNHCR, OCHA), policy think tanks (Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, Centre for Policy Alternatives, Verité Research), and international NGOs. The 6-month post-study residence permit also enables short-term EU policy roles.
Entry Requirements
Academic
- check_circle Bachelor's degree in International Relations, Political Science, Law, History, Economics, Languages, or a related social sciences / humanities discipline at Sri Lankan first / upper-second class equivalent.
- check_circle Strong writing ability is essential; a writing sample may be requested.
- check_circle Sri Lankan applicants from Colombo, Peradeniya, Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Jaffna, KDU, BCIS, or Open University are competitive.
- check_circle Motivation letter (max 1 page), CV, two academic references, and transcripts.
English Proficiency
- check_circle IELTS Academic: 6.5 Overall (no band below 6.0).
- check_circle TOEFL iBT: 90 Overall.
- check_circle Cambridge English: C1 Advanced.
- check_circle Teaching is in English; Maltese language not required.
- check_circle Waived if your Bachelor's degree was taught entirely in English (Sri Lankan applicants from English-medium degrees qualify with an MOI letter).
Estimated Cost of Study
| Expense Category | Amount (€) | Approx. LKR |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition Fee (per year, non-EU) | €11,000 | Rs. 3,795,000 |
| Living Expenses in Msida/Valletta (12 months) | €11,000 | Rs. 3,795,000 |
| Health Insurance, Visa & Residence Permit | €700 | Rs. 241,500 |
| Books, Conference Travel & Materials | €800 | Rs. 276,000 |
| Total Year 1 Investment | €23,500 | Rs. 8,107,500 |
*LKR conversion based on current bank rates. Subject to change.
Career Outcomes & PR
MA International Relations graduates qualify for Malta's 6-month post-study job-search residence permit. Local opportunities include EU institutional liaison roles, Maltese diplomatic-support functions, research positions at the Mediterranean Academy of Diplomatic Studies, and NGOs working on Mediterranean migration. Sri Lankan returnees route into the Sri Lanka Foreign Service via the Foreign Service Examination, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, multilateral roles at UNDP / UNICEF / IOM / UNHCR / OCHA Sri Lanka, policy think tanks (Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute, Centre for Policy Alternatives, Verité Research), and international NGOs. Common follow-on routes include doctoral programmes at LSE, Sciences Po, Geneva Graduate Institute, or Oxford.
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